The ISO 20121 standard, established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is a global framework for improving sustainable event organisation practices. Its main objective is to help organisations elevate sustainability throughout the event management process.
This certification highlights Europalco’s focus on sustainability throughout its operations, which means adherence to strict criteria for sustainable event management. These standards prioritise the mitigation of environmental, social and economic impact, as well as ensuring the safety of events. For the Portuguese provider, the certification reflects its commitment to several principles, such as a sustainable approach, brand elevation, legal compliance, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, promotion of innovation and risk mitigation.
Europalco’s journey towards ISO 20121 certification involved a comprehensive effort to consolidate existing sustainable practices within a structured framework. Middle management played an important role in following up on objectives and actions, ensuring the seamless integration of sustainable practices into existing processes (ISO 9001:2015) and monitoring them closely.
“Our approach to achieving the ISO 20121 Certification involved a thorough review and improvement of our sustainability policies,” explained Rita Corredoura, Quality Manager at Europalco. “We implemented measures to minimise our environmental footprint, promote social responsibility and optimise operational efficiency, all while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
With ISO 20121 certification, the company consolidates its position as a pioneer in sustainable event solutions, laying the foundation for a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future. This certification demonstrates Europalco’s strong commitment to sustainability while serving as a testament to its focus on providing exceptional service to clients while minimising its environmental impact.
“This is a significant achievement for our company, as it highlights our dedication to sustainability in the events industry,” said Corredoura. She added, “This certification aligns with our core values and reflects our ongoing efforts to prioritise sustainability in all facets of our operations. We want Europalco to be a benchmark in the events sector, empowering people and delivering services to an unquestionable sustainability standard. By investing rigorously in quality, safety and innovation, we aim to be an example of excellence in delivering integrated event solutions in an environmentally responsible manner. Furthermore, our undertaking extends to promoting solidarity and social support, valuing human capital and spreading knowledge through strategic partnerships, thus reinforcing our position as a leader in sustainable event management.”
In addition to achieving ISO 20121 certification, the Portuguese company is actively engaged in initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and benefit local communities. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Europalco aligns its practices with global sustainability goals, identifying opportunities for growth and minimising risks. This approach fosters innovation, resilience and a more sustainable future. Europalco promotes a circular economy by reusing event waste such as stage structures, backdrops and ropes, turning them into new products or donating them to institutions, individuals or even its employees. It also supports local social, educational and cultural initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to corporate social responsibility: respect for human rights, ethics and transparency, environmental care, community participation, diversity and inclusion, and social causes involvement.
“We believe that sustainability is not just a goal, but a journey towards creating a better future for everybody,” said Pedro Magalhães, CEO of Europalco. He added, “Through continuous innovation, collaboration and responsible business processes, Europalco strives to be an example of excellence in the events industry, driving positive change and leaving a lasting impact on society and the environment.”
Tags: Rita Corredoura, Europalco.
